Jun Liu from the University of Jyväskylä wins the FORTHEM Researcher Grand Prix 2025

Jun Liu is researching antimicrobial textiles in collaboration with SPINNOVA®. The aim of the research is to develop materials that help prevent the spread of microbes. This PhD -research is a great example of how research results get great example of how research results get rapidly transfered into practice in company collaboration. The supervisor of Jun Liu:s PhD -research is Varpu Marjomäki.

“The collaboration between Spinnova and Varpu Marjomäki 's research group has been lasting for several years. During the collaboration, we understand and value the company's aims, and, likewise, Spinnova company respects our vision as scientific researchers to concentrate on fundamental science. The collaboration has been very productive and enjoyable due to the mutual understanding. Juha Salmela and Pia Vento from Spinnova have fully supported our work. We are very happy for this tight collaboration and we believe that we will achieve our goals together!” Jun Liu describes the collaboration.

Jun Liu presented her important research work in an informative but entertaining way at the event and succeeded in convincing the jury.

“It was a big nice surprise for me to gain the reward. Because all presentations are impressive and intriguing! I was purely enjoying the stage and trying to make people understand just a little bit, even a concept. Science cannot leave common people's life. That's the beauty of doing research. Thank to this opportunity, all the excellent researchers can proudly announce that we are changing our life better step by step,” Jun Liu rejoices.

On the same evening, Jun Liu's home faculty, the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, celebrated its 60th anniversary, where the competition was also eagerly followed.  

Mihai Ilina from Lucian Blaga University in Sibiu was voted second winner by the audience. Congratulations to Jun and all the other eight finalists!